Chicken Fried Chicken is a delightful twist on the classic Southern dish that brings together tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy breading. This recipe is perfect for those who love comfort food with a deliciously satisfying crunch. With its roots deeply embedded in Southern cuisine, this dish offers a warm embrace of flavors that can transform any ordinary dinner into a special occasion. In this article, you will learn how to master the art of making chicken fried chicken from scratch, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor and texture. The preparation process is straightforward and can be completed in under an hour, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends and family. Whether you serve it with creamy gravy or your favorite dipping sauce, this dish promises to impress everyone at your table.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Fried Chicken
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients for Chicken Fried Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating the crispy coating; sifted flour helps avoid clumps
- Buttermilk: Adds moisture and tenderness to the chicken while helping the flour adhere better
- Eggs: Use large eggs; they help bind the flour to the chicken for that perfect crust
- Cornstarch: A secret ingredient that enhances crispiness when mixed with flour
- Seasonings (Salt & Pepper): Basic seasonings are crucial; feel free to add garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Chicken Fried Chicken
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by pounding each chicken breast to an even thickness of about half an inch. This ensures they cook evenly.
Step 2: Marinate in Buttermilk
Place the pounded chicken breasts in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Allow them to marinate for at least one hour in the refrigerator; overnight is even better.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Add salt and pepper along with any additional seasonings you like. Mix well until uniform.
Step 4: Dredge the Chicken
Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk and let excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture until well coated.
Step 5: Fry Until Golden Brown
In a large skillet over medium heat, add about half an inch of oil. Once hot (around 350°F), carefully place each piece of breaded chicken into the skillet. Fry until golden brown on both sides—about five minutes per side.
Step 6: Drain Excess Oil
Once cooked through (internal temperature should be at least 165°F), transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times
- Temperature Control: Let ingredients reach room temperature before starting for better results
- Crispy Coating: For extra crunchiness, double-dip your chicken by repeating the dredging process once more before frying
How to Serve Chicken Fried Chicken
This Chicken Fried Chicken is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken by marinating it in buttermilk for at least one hour or overnight. This enhances flavor and tenderness. Additionally, you can bread the chicken in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before frying.
- Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze cooked chicken fried chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
- Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Suggestions for Chicken Fried Chicken
Avoid Overseasoning the Chicken
One common mistake when preparing chicken fried chicken is over-seasoning the meat. While flavor is crucial, too much seasoning can overpower the dish and create an imbalanced taste. Start with a moderate amount of salt, pepper, and your chosen spices. Remember that you can always add more later, but you cannot take it away once it’s mixed in. A light marinade before frying can enhance the chicken’s natural flavors without overwhelming them. Taste as you go to ensure a well-seasoned but not overly salty final product.
Choosing the Wrong Oil for Frying
Selecting the right oil for frying is vital when making chicken fried chicken. Not all oils are created equal; some have low smoke points and can impart undesirable flavors to your dish. Opt for oils with high smoke points like peanut, canola, or vegetable oil. These oils can withstand the high temperatures required for frying without burning or affecting the taste of your chicken. Additionally, using fresh oil will yield crispier results compared to reused oil that has absorbed flavors from previous cooking.
Neglecting Proper Coating Techniques
Another frequent error in making chicken fried chicken involves improper coating techniques. It’s essential to ensure that each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated in flour or breadcrumbs. This creates a crispy outer layer that contrasts beautifully with the juicy insides. To achieve this, first dredge the chicken in flour, then dip it into egg wash, and finally coat it again in flour or breadcrumbs. This three-step process ensures better adhesion and a crunchier texture after frying.
Skipping Rest Time Before Frying
Forgetting to let your coated chicken rest before frying can lead to soggy results. Resting allows the coating to set and adhere better to the meat during frying. If you fry immediately after coating, moisture from the chicken can make the crust gummy rather than crispy. Aim for at least 15-30 minutes of resting time on a wire rack or plate before placing them in hot oil. This simple step significantly improves texture and flavor while ensuring an unforgettable dish.
FAQs
What is Chicken Fried Chicken?
Chicken fried chicken is a beloved Southern dish that features breaded and fried chicken breast served with a creamy gravy sauce. Unlike traditional fried chicken, which uses bone-in pieces, this version typically uses boneless cuts for easier eating and quicker cooking times. The dish boasts a crunchy exterior paired with juicy meat inside, making it a comfort food staple in many households across America.
How do I achieve crispy Chicken Fried Chicken?
To achieve perfectly crispy chicken fried chicken, follow a few key steps: use cold buttermilk for marinating, coat generously with seasoned flour or breadcrumbs, and ensure your oil temperature is around 350°F (175°C) before adding the chicken pieces. Maintain this temperature throughout cooking by avoiding overcrowding in the pan; if too many pieces are added at once, they will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy crusts instead of crispy goodness.
Can I make Chicken Fried Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can make chicken fried chicken ahead of time! Prepare your coated chicken earlier in the day and store it uncovered on a wire rack in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fry it. Just remember to let it come closer to room temperature before frying for even cooking. Alternatively, fully cooked chicken can also be reheated in an oven or air fryer to help maintain its crispiness without drying out.
What sides pair well with Chicken Fried Chicken?
Chicken fried chicken pairs wonderfully with various sides that complement its rich flavors. Classic choices include creamy mashed potatoes topped with sausage gravy or coleslaw for crunch and freshness. Other popular accompaniments are green beans sautéed with garlic or cornbread that adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the savory notes of your main dish.
Conclusion for Chicken Fried Chicken
In conclusion, mastering chicken fried chicken requires attention to detail throughout each step of preparation. Avoid common mistakes such as over-seasoning or neglecting proper coating techniques to ensure success every time. Choose appropriate oils for frying and allow resting periods before cooking for optimal texture and flavor outcomes. With these tips in mind, you’ll create an unforgettable dish that’s sure to become a favorite among family and friends alike—perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining tender and juicy inside! Enjoy this iconic comfort food at any gathering or special occasion—it’s bound to impress!
Chicken Fried Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chicken Fried Chicken is a comforting Southern classic that elevates simple chicken breasts into a crispy, golden-brown delight. This dish features juicy, tender chicken enveloped in a perfectly seasoned coating, fried to achieve a satisfying crunch. Served alongside creamy gravy or your favorite dipping sauce, it becomes the star of any meal—from weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. With straightforward instructions and minimal prep time, you can have this delicious comfort food ready in under an hour. Experience the heart of Southern cooking and impress your family and friends with this irresistible Chicken Fried Chicken recipe.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pound each chicken breast to an even thickness of about half an inch.
- Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least one hour (overnight recommended).
- In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture after removing from buttermilk.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F). Fry chicken for approximately five minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer cooked chicken to paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Leave a Comment